If you've always wanted to be a contestant on American Idol but were afraid, and probably rightfully so (I mean what would Simon say?) then here's a safer and more fun way to participate: Karaoke Revolution Presents American Idol Encore 2 w/Microphone. There's no guarantee Simon won't trash you but at least you get more than one chance at the spotlight.

More fun than the first version of the game, this one boasts better graphics, more accurate judging by the 3 judges, 40 all new "hit songs" from the 70s to the present, two player duets or "battles", and more options for making your all-important Avatars.

My family got the game for Christmas and are still playing it every day, which either says something about the sorry state of our lives, or just that we have a heightened sense of fun.

Available at Amazon for around $70.